As a six-foot-seven former goalkeeper, it is easy to describe Ryan Lenegan as a safe pair of hands.
However, there is much more to Football West’s new General Manager Participation, Community and Clubs.
Ryan will be responsible for competitions, club and association development, regions, participation products and operations support.
And like his role on the pitch, he says he will relish being in the thick of the action.
“As a player but also as a sports administrator, the opportunity to work within the game that I love as it enters a new and exciting time with the Women’s World Cup and State Football Centre, is something I couldn’t pass up,” he said.
Ryan has already been out and about, including on the weekend when he presented ECU Joondalup skipper Johnny Perkins – appropriately a keeper – with the NPLWA Men’s league title trophy.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting clubs, from NPL Men’s and Women’s to State and Amateur leagues. It was also great to see the Country Week players at Yokine Reserve last week, especially given how important regional players and associations are to the growth of our game,” he said.
Growing up in Mundaring, Ryan played Aussie rules and hockey as a child. But he says once he was introduced to football at Mazenod College in Lesmurdie, he never looked back.
He said: “I got in to football at high school. Being so tall even as a child, and with no early grounding in the sport, goalkeeper always seemed a natural fit. It gives you the best view on the pitch and I loved being in the action.
“I played right through high school and continued when I went to Bond University on the Gold Coast.”
Studying a Masters of Sports Management, Ryan got involved with sports administration, including managing events.
“At Bond University I ran a competition called “World Cup”. I loved how multi-cultural it was. We had Brazilian, German, Swedish, English teams, as well as the Aussies, and every one had their own different styles.”
After returning to Western Australia, Ryan took the position of General Manager Participation and Member Services with Hockey WA. He was there for two-and-a-half years before joining Football West.
“It was similar to what I will be doing with Football West in that my passion is sports administration. I enjoy working with all stakeholders across the board,” he said.
“With Football West, it has been really refreshing to come into the sport and see some of the new products and initiatives coming out of Covid. The sport is in a fantastic position to really grow.”
Filed Under: Community News